Centenary completes $5.5 million campus investment

SHREVEPORT, LA — This fall marked the completion of the Centenary Renewal initiative launched in 2011. The $5.5 million reinvestment in the campus was funded from multiple sources, including a gift made in 2008 by a Centenary Trustee whose goal was to secure the college's future by making necessary campus improvements.

Kitchen in new Rotary Hall apartment

Chris Sampite, Director of Facilities, is pleased with the upgrades and believes the project will have an ongoing positive impact on the campus. "These renovations mean that Centenary can spend its time and money on things other than infrastructure—like academic programs," said Sampite.

Over 60 projects in 16 buildings and across campus have made both behind-the-scene and visible improvements to the campus, driving towards Centenary's goal to renovate the campus physical infrastructure while improving the energy efficiency and sustainability features of campus life. Projects ranged from a total renovation of Rotary Hall to a new boiler for Mickle Hall, installation of outdoor LED lighting, and increased fire safety across campus.

Junior Blake Bourgoyne was happily surprised by the renovations to Rotary Hall where he presides as Hall Director.

"It's great to have the space to sit down somewhere other than a bed," said Bourgoyne. "The residence hall is a lot more comfortable, and I feel like I use my room more often. I can actually have friends come over now since there is a common room."

With the 2013 renovation of Rotary Hall, each living space has been transformed into an apartment with full kitchens that include a dishwasher, granite countertops, an oven, a glass stove top, a refrigerator, cabinets, and a sink. Unit options include two bedroom, two bathroom apartments; one bedroom, one bathroom apartments; and studio apartments—all featuring new hardwood floors.

Bourgoyne believes that students' voices were heard and acknowledged throughout the Centenary Renewal process. "The renovation of Rotary Hall was needed," said Bourgoyne. "I think the main issue with that project was whether it was going to be a good enough alternative to living off campus, and I think they accomplished that. (The administration) really listened to student advice."

Student input was part of the process from the start. The renewal included $100,000 for student-initiated ideas. Student-driven projects included a new scoreboard, pavilion, water fountain, and picnic tables on Jones Rice Field and the newly painted band shell.

According to Sampite, the investment came at a vital time for the College.

"This money funded improvements everywhere on campus," said Sampite.

For the complete list of Centenary Renewal renovations and images, visit the renewal site.